ORBIT BALL REVELERS ENJOY EVENING TO THE LIMIT AND EVEN BEYOND

Amanda Barrett Hamel, Special to the TribuneCHICAGO TRIBUNE

With two bands, separate martini and champagne bars and brimming buffet tables, it is not surprising that those at Friday night's Orbit Ball at the Adler Planetarium seemed to enjoy themselves -- having such a good time, in fact, that some of the exuberant crowd stayed well past midnight, prompting security to ask them to leave.

Besides getting an unhurried look at the museum's exhibits, guests scoured silent auction tables that featured such diverse items as a fur coat, luxury hotel stays, a Rottweiler puppy, a bridal gown, and a trip to Cancun. Bids on the 50 items ranged from $200 to $2,500.

Megan Dunne of Chicago bought a raffle ticket for $50 and went home with a grand raffle prize of $10,000.

Tickets to the event were $80 per person.

- Juanita Jordan was the lady of the hour Wednesday night as QVC held a kickoff party to promote its live Sunday broadcast at Pioneer Court on Michigan Avenue. Jordan and comedian Tim Kazurinsky appeared on segments touting the city during the broadcast, which was called "Live From Michigan Avenue -- A Celebration of Chicago Shopping."

About 150 people turned out for a party at The Grill on the Alley, a new restaurant at 909 N. Michigan Ave.

A small silent auction was conducted to raise money for the Greater Northern Michigan Avenue Association's Garden Beautification Fund. Auction items ranged from the whimsical -- a four-foot stuffed dog and a flying Santa musical box (which went home with Jordan) -- to the useful: a year of hosiery, a three-piece luggage set and outdoor gear.

- Coming up: A night of glamor awaits those who attend the MAC Viva Glam Floating World Tour 2000 on Aug. 19. Lavish buffets, the Bradley Young Orchestra, silent auction prizes and entertainment by Martha Washare are among the highlights.

Festivities start at 7 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel, 120 E. Delaware St.

The creative-black-tie event will spotlight 25 dresses from some of the world's top designers, including Richard Tyler, Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera. Tickets are $275 per person and will benefit Chicago House, which provides programs for people with HIV/AIDS. Call 773-248-5200, extension 307, for more information.